And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

2 SAMUEL 15:14KJV
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2 Samuel 15:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:14 mean?

2 Samuel 15:14 describes King David urgently telling his servants in Jerusalem to get up and flee with him, because he believes they will not escape from Absalom unless they leave quickly. David fears that if they delay, Absalom will catch up, bring disaster, and attack the city with violence.

David is speaking to his loyal followers while still in Jerusalem, during the crisis when his son Absalom is leading a rebellion against him. David’s words show his deep concern for both his own safety and the safety of the city, as he tries to avoid bloodshed and destruction by escaping before Absalom arrives.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:14

  • "Arise" (קוּמוּ, qumu): This word is a strong call to action, urging immediate movement. David is not just suggesting but commanding his servants to get up right away.
  • "Flee" (נָבוּסָה, navusah): This verb means to escape quickly from danger. David sees the threat from Absalom as so urgent that fleeing is the only option.
  • "Edge" (פִּי, pi) "of the sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): Literally "mouth of the sword," this phrase paints a vivid picture of the violence David fears—being struck down by the sword’s sharp edge.

Why 2 Samuel 15:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that David’s decision to flee was not out of cowardice, but out of a desire to protect his people and the city from unnecessary harm.
  • The urgency in David’s words highlights just how serious and immediate the threat from Absalom was, giving a sense of the danger and chaos of the moment.
  • Understanding David’s reasoning here helps explain the events that follow in the chapter, showing his leadership and care for Jerusalem even in crisis.

Where else these words appear

“escape” Hebrew H6413 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 32:8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
  • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

“overtake” Hebrew H5381 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Leviticus 26:5 And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.
  • Psalms 7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

“bring” Hebrew H5080 · used in 51 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
  • Job 6:13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
  • Jeremiah 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

“speed” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.